The organization announces changes to protocols and board leadership
Today, the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) shared that the final report of the Audit and Governance Committee (AGC) was presented to the ADA’s board of directors and has announced next steps. The report examines the events before, during, and after the ADA’s 2026 Scientific Sessions in New Orleans on June 5.
To ensure transparency regarding the review process and the key facts documented by the AGC, the ADA is making the full, unredacted report public.
After conducting dozens of interviews and reviewing written and video evidence, the AGC report highlighted that:
- There was a written threat that there would be protest and disruption at Scientific Sessions sent to the ADA prior to June 5, raising concerns about the safety of attendees and staff.
- The ADA’s code of conduct didn’t explicitly state that distributing materials inside the convention center was prohibited.
- There could have been clearer communications between the event security personnel and the ADA about the nature of the activities of three of the five individuals whose badges were rescinded—Drs. Maureen Gannon, Steven Kahn, and Desmond Schatz. The AGC concluded that they likely shouldn’t have been removed from the event.
- The nature or content of the materials distributed (an editorial objecting to government research funding cuts) played no role in the ADA's actions. The security vendor did not verify the contents of the material before notifying staff of the incident, and the vendor had no prior knowledge of the material.
- Because the First Amendment does not cover conduct at a private event in a leased conference facility, the individuals’ First Amendment rights were not violated.
Following the AGC’s report out to the board, the ADA’s CEO, Charles “Chuck” Henderson, is announcing next steps in moving forward.
"I want to publicly apologize to Drs. Maureen Gannon, Steven Kahn and Desmond Schatz for the circumstances that led to their removal from Scientific Sessions," Henderson said. "The professional and personal impact they experienced, not only as participants but as respected leaders in the scientific and medical community, is deeply regrettable."
“I would also like to acknowledge that the events of June 5 and our subsequent response created a difficult moment for the diabetes community and for that we are truly sorry,” Henderson continued. “We are committed to making the changes needed to rebuild trust and confidence with the scientific and medical community so that we can come back together for the benefit of people living with diabetes. I intend to lead that effort with transparency, accountability, and commitment.”
Next steps
The ADA plans to:
- Work with the ADA publications’ editorial boards to reinforce the ADA’s commitment to editorial independence.
- Update event policies and the code of conduct, including guidelines for the distribution of material and the creation of opportunities for public discourse, as well as ensure they are shared in pre-event communications and are readily accessible onsite at ADA events.
- Develop tighter and clearer response protocols for staff related to potential disruptions at events and practice them in advance of meetings.
- Re-examine and optimize conference security options and procedures. Additionally, ensure all contracted on-site security are trained on the ADA’s response protocols for non-life-threatening disruptions.
- Undertake a strategic review of its board governance practices and bylaws to strengthen organizational effectiveness.
As announced in a previous press release, the ADA will engage its science and medicine community in defining the priorities and qualifications for its next chief scientific and medical officer.
The ADA also announced that its board chair, James Tai, resigned effective last week. The board has voted to appoint its chair-elect, Sean Pittman, to serve the remainder of Tai's term.
“I would like to thank the members of the AGC for their time and a thorough review of this matter. The board hopes we can move forward together as one community built on trust and passion for our shared goals and mission,” said Pittman. “We have every confidence that our CEO and his team will work relentlessly to continue to meet the needs of the diabetes community.”
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About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is the nation’s leading voluntary health organization fighting to end diabetes and helping people thrive. For 86 years, the ADA has driven discovery and research to treat, manage, and prevent diabetes while working relentlessly for a cure. Through advocacy, program development, and education we work to improve the quality of life for the over 155 million Americans living with diabetes or prediabetes. To learn more or to get involved, visit us at diabetes.org or call 1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383). Join us in the fight on Facebook (American Diabetes Association), Spanish Facebook (Asociación Americana de la Diabetes), LinkedIn (American Diabetes Association), and Instagram (@AmDiabetesAssn). To learn more about how we are advocating for everyone affected by diabetes, visit us on X (@AmDiabetesAssn).
